The prostate gland is a mystery to many men. It is commonly regarded as a part of the male sexual anatomy that can affect urinary output. Most people, however, cannot describe the purpose of the prostate or explain how it changes during a man's life span. Good prostate health depends on having a basic understanding of this important gland.
Anatomy
The prostate gland consists of several lobes and is about the size of a large walnut, with a similar outer shape. It surrounds the urethra just as it emerges from the bladder. The ejaculatory duct, which carries sperm from the testicles and seminal fluid from the seminal vesicle, also passes through the prostate gland. It is located near the rectum but is not connected to it.
Function
The prostate gland produces a milky-colored alkaline (non-acidic) fluid that helps to activate the sperm produced by the testicles. It is stored in the gland until it is needed during ejaculation. During male ejaculation, the fluid from the prostate gland combines with the sperm, seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles and mucus from the Cowper's glands to form semen. The healthy adult male ejaculates around a teaspoon of semen during orgasm, of which approximately one-fourth is fluid from the prostate.
Age-Related Changes
The prostate gland begins to develop during the third month of fetal life but remains quiet from birth until puberty. It experiences growth during puberty and usually remains its normal size through adulthood until a man's late 40s. At that point, male hormone levels drop and the prostate may shrink somewhat. Later in life, however, it often grows in size, a condition known as hypertrophy.
Afflictions
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the most common prostate problem found in men ages 18 through 49 is prostatitis. This is an inflammatory process that is sometimes, but not usually, caused by an infection. It may come on suddenly or appear over time. Symptoms include pelvic pain, pain during urination, difficulty voiding and painful ejaculation. A common affliction among older men is benign prostatic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (BPH). This noncancerous condition occurs when the prostate gland increases in size, eventually narrowing the urethra. Symptoms include frequent urination, a weak urinary stream and the feeling that the bladder does not fully empty when urinating. Prostate cancer is also found more in the older population. The symptoms mimic those of BPH so it is important for men to be evaluated as soon as they realize they are experiencing problems with urination.
Prostate Health
Two ways that men can help keep their prostate gland healthy is to urinate when they have the need to and ejaculate regularly. Mayo Clinic recommends eating lots of vegetables and fruits. Cooked tomatoes are especially important. Regular exercise and weight control can also reduce the risk of prostate problems.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Prostate Problems: Prostate Enlargement
- National Cancer Institute: Understanding Prostate Changes
- Prostate Cancer Institute: Anatomy of the Prostate Gland
- Mayo Clinic: Prostate Cancer: Prevention
